It's a different marketplace and so are the challenges. With never-ending demands to meet sales quotas, customer service sometimes takes a back seat, yet it remains critical to the success of every business. No matter the nature of your enterprise—goods or services, or both—you should seek to improve your customer service on a regular basis to remain competitive. Your job and the jobs of others may depend upon it.

In this presentation, former corporate president Don Gallegos will offer a different perspective on the behaviors and attitudes of customers today and how you can gain their loyalty. Using Don's expertise, you'll be able to make your customer service operation more responsive and a bigger contributor to your overall sales effort and your bottom line.

11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Workshop (1)Best of the Best in Chamber SalesModerator: Chad Hamman, VP Membership, Greater Akron (OH) Chamber of CommerceRoom: BoardroomDiscuss and explore sales techniques and strategies from some of the most successful chambers in the country. Share your own challenges and successes. This format has proven to be an attendee favorite!

Here is your opportunity to discuss the top issues that affect your sales goals! Topics will include change in industry sectors, social media, and generation diversity.

12:45-1:30 LunchRoom: 500 Series

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Workshop (1)Know the Product! Determine the Chamber's ValuePresenter: Jim Butler, Omaha (NE) Chamber of CommerceRoom: BoardroomAre you succeeding in serving the wants and needs of your customers? Learn how to tailor a membership for each prospective member by asking a few key questions that will not only help you understand what’s really important to your prospect, but will also guide you in building a customized membership that offers real value.

Workshop (2)21st Century Sales StrategiesPresenter: Rick Roberge, RainMaker Maker and Sales & Marketing IntegratorRoom: 506Learn how to combine 21st century technology with a modernized sales approach that will attract new members, identify their personal reasons for joining your chamber, and turn them into your best evangelists to help you do it again.

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.Workshops (1)Who Needs a Sales Process? You Do!Presenter: Steve Parry, President, Sandler Training by Sales Productivity ConsultantsRoom: BoardroomIf you ask most experienced sales account executives how they’ve succeeded in the chamber profession, some will tell you it has been because of nurtured relationships. However, most will say that they have a proven sales process that has pulled them through time and time again. This session will demonstrate the importance of having a process, and how it can help you manage all aspects of your sales activities.

Workshop (2)What's Trending in the Chamber IndustryPresenter: David May, CCE, CAE, CEO, Fort Collins Area (CO) Chamber of CommerceRoom: 506The economic volatility of the last few years has reshaped many communities and the way we do business. For many, it has provided an opportunity for self-reflection and re-organization. Chambers learned early that even in lean times, we need to continue to lead the way in inspiration, sustainability and prosperity. Examine where we've been and where we are headed with one of the most experienced and respected chamber executives in the chamber world.

This sales training event kicked off with some great information on how to give your member the exceptional customer service they deserve. Learn how retention and customer service go hand in hand. Learn how to exceed your members’ expectations, earn their loyalty and still communicate the chamber's value.

10:45 a.m. – noonTakin' it to the Streets!Presenter: Frank Belzer, VP of Corporate Development, Kurlan and AssociatesRoom: 500 Series

You’ve spent two days learning new skills, techniques and tactics to help you sell more effectively. But will you? Despite the drive to be successful, sales people often get stuck in their comfort zones. They struggle trying to execute new methods. What stands in the way? How can you overcome the obstacles to success?

It’s time to take what you’ve learned to the street! In this keynote presentation, Frank Belzer will draw on his years of successful sales and sales management experience, including seven years at Konica Minolta, and help you understand the sales roadblocks that might be blocking your path. Before you know it, you’ll be overcoming those stubborn barriers and achieving great sales success